Developing the next generation of leaders: a look at TSTT

Students in grade 9-10 have an opportunity to participate in the Today’s Students Tomorrow’s Teachers (TSTT) mentoring program at Liberty Central School District.

TSTT is for students who are interested in a career that involves teaching, coaching or leading. TSTT mentors these students by preparing them with effective leadership skills while still in high school.

The program is part of a school initiative that supports and mentors students who would like to pursue a career in education. The program’s advisor, Lisa Adrian-Davies, helps to identify, recruit, and mentor those current students who after college may return to Liberty classrooms as teachers and school leaders.

TSTT has received national recognition for its successful career partnership model and was cited by former US Secretary of Education, Richard W. Riley as “an innovative program that embodies many of the goals and objectives for educational excellence and should serve as a model for other regions in the nation.”

TSTT serves more than 300 high school students and over 300 college students who come from nearly 50 high schools in Connecticut, New York, Virginia and Massachusetts. According to its website, TSTT has a proven track record places increasing the number of minority and economically disadvantaged students on the teacher track.

Additionally, TSTT students can qualify for a minimum 50 percent tuition scholarship from its growing roster of partner colleges.

Why join TSTT?
“There is a great need for strong and effective leadership in our community,” Ms. Adrian-Davies said. “All students in Liberty Central School District are emerging leaders, and TSTT can help them develop a deeper understanding of leadership concepts from different perspectives.”

TSTT members meet regularly in the high school and may take part in TSTT excursions such as college visits, career and leadership based workshops, and conferences. Soon they will begin weekly tutoring sessions with middle school students and students who speak English as a Second Language.

Students who would like to learn more about TSTT can contact Lisa Adrian-Davies at LAdrianDavies@libertyk12.org or (845) 292-5400 ext. 4209.